With the Philadelphia Union’s 2021 campaign due to kick off next month, the club has released the team’s preseason schedule.
These dates lead right up to the start of the 2021 MLS Season Opener on April 17th.
- March 1-11: Preseason Training in Chester
- March 12: The Team departs for Clearwater Florida
- March 15: Closed-door scrimmage VS Orlando City SC
- March 20: Closed-door scrimmage VS Chicago Fire FC
- March 24: The team returns to Chester PA
- March 31: Closed-door scrimmage VS opponent TBA (in Subaru Park)
- April 7: 2021 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 Leg 1 @ Deportivo Saprissa
- April 14: 2021 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 Leg 2 @ Subaru Park
Unlike in past seasons for the Union, they have a packed schedule for the preseason. Not only with the usual scrimmages against other MLS teams, but the club also plays both legs of their first-ever CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) games.
Hopefully, the extra games help woeful Union Openers.
The Union have a busier preseason than they usually do, and hopefully, that helps the team end a dreadful opening day record.
The Union, dating back to their inaugural season in 2010, are 2-3-6 (W-D-L) in MLS Season openers. While this stat may not bode well for the club’s CCL games, hopefully, the extra games can help the Union get a good jump on the MLS Season.
The Union last season took a huge jump, and the club may be ready to put an end to these slow starts to their season. However, until the club goes out there and proves they can win right out of the gate, history says to be wary of the Union in the first few games.
Let us hope they come out of the gate firing, not only to get to the CCL Quarterfinals but get a much-needed MLS Season Opener win.
Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/Philadelphia Sports Nation